MCP initialization establishes compatibility between the MCP client and server before normal protocol operations begin. During initialization, the parties establish a mutually supported protocol version and exchange their supported capabilities and implementation information. The client initiates the process with an initialize request containing its protocol version, capabilities, and client information. The server responds with its supported protocol version, capabilities, and server information, after which the client signals that initialization has completed. Authentication is handled at the transport or deployment security layer rather than being the defining initialization exchange. MCP initialization also does not fine-tune the LLM or execute every registered tool. This capability-negotiation process enables OCI agent applications using MCP Calling to understand which remote capabilities can safely be used. Model Context Protocol

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